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Whatcom Family Young Mens Christian Association

EIN 91-0482690 · Bellingham, WA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair55 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

WHATCOM FAMILY YMCA (THE YMCA) IS A 501(C)(3) ASSOCIATION ORGANIZED TO ADVANCE THE CAUSE OF STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY THROUGH YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, HEALTHY LIVING, AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. THE YMCA IS AN ASSOCIATION OF MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN COMMITTED TO BRINGING ABOUT LASTING PERSONAL AND SOCIAL CHANGE. WITH A FOCUS ON NURTURING THE POTENTIAL OF EVERY CHILD AND TEEN, IMPROVING THE COMMUNITY'S HEALTH AND WELL-BEING AND PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE BACK AND SUPPORT NEIGHBORS, THE YMCA ENABLES YOUTH, ADULTS, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES TO BE HEALTHY, CONFIDENT, CONNECTED AND SECURE.

Income
$10.8 million
Spending
$11.5 million
Spent on programs
84%
Reserves
1.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 73%
Employees
615
Volunteers
997
Highest pay
$192,717, chief executive officer

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 55 out of 100. Higher than 36% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 1.7 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 27% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 6% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 4% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    83% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 11 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 35% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    12 of 12 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)
  1. $7.6 million spent. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT - The Whatcom Family YMCA is committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen. We believe all kids have great potential and deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That's why we help young people cultivate the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement, Our YMCA programs such as early learning, after school enrichment, Youth Institute, summer camps, and youth sports offer a range of experiences that enrich social-emotional, cognitive and physical growth. During 2025, we provided over $252,000 in scholarships and assistance to people who otherwise may not have been able to afford to participate.
  2. $1.4 million spent. HEALTHY LIVING - The Y is committed to improving America's health and well-being, community by community. We bring families closer together, encourage good health and foster connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. This is particularly important as our nation struggles with chronic disease and obesity, families wrest with work/life balance and individuals search for personal fulfillment. Our programs are accessible, affordable and open to all faiths, backgrounds, abilities, and income levels. In 2025, we provided $242,000 in scholarships and assistance to people who otherwise may not have been able to afford to participate.
  3. $527,907 spent. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY - The Whatcom Family YMCA believes in giving back and supporting our neighbors. We have been listening to and responding to our community's most critical social needs for more than 135 years. YMCA programs such as weekly food delivers to those suffering from food insecurity, free water safety classes to help prevent drownings, and our open door policy, which states that no one is ever turned away for lack of funds, are examples of how we deliver training, resources and support that empower our neighbors to effect change, bridge gaps and overcome obstacles, In 2025 we engaged over 10,500 YMCA members, participants and volunteers in activities that our community and pave the way for future generations to thrive.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since April 1947.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.